New ambulance software called 912Rwanda has been developed in Rwanda to help save lives by making emergency care faster and better. Experts from the University of Birmingham worked with a local software company to create this technology.
The software was launched on August 4, 2025. It helps ambulance crews and hospitals work together by quickly finding the nearest available hospital that can treat the patient’s specific needs. This helps patients get the right care faster, which can save many lives.
Every year, about 250 million people in low- and middle-income countries like Rwanda get serious injuries. Many die or suffer disabilities because they don’t get quick care. The new software could reduce deaths and disabilities from emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, infections, and childbirth complications.
Jean Claude Byiringiro, a surgery professor from the University of Rwanda, said this program could reduce the time it takes to bring injured patients to the hospital. It could also help other countries facing similar challenges.
The software is already being used in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital. It has helped ambulance teams in over 20,000 emergency trips. In places where people do not have smartphones or where mobile signals are weak, this software helps locate patients quickly.
The next version of the software includes a smart tool called the Destination Decision Support Algorithm (DDSA). This tool lets ambulance workers enter simple patient information and then recommends the best hospital for treatment.
Professor Justine Davies from the University of Birmingham explained that saving time in emergencies is crucial. It is not enough to get patients to any hospital quickly; they must reach the right hospital for their specific illness or injury.
The project has received over £3 million in funding from the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and other international health organizations.
This ambulance software is part of Rwanda’s efforts to improve emergency medical care and reduce the number of deaths and disabilities caused by injuries and medical emergencies.
Clear explanation of what the 912Rwanda software does.
The problem it aims to solve (emergency delays in low-income countries).
Quotes from experts explaining the importance of the project
The impact so far (20,000 ambulance journeys in Kigali)
Explanation of the new triage feature (DDSA).
Funding sources and international support
Context about why this matters for Rwanda and similar countries.
